Save the Date!
2026 Greater Chesapeake Damage Prevention Training Conference
OCT. 20-23 At the Ashore Oceanfront Hotel in Ocean City, MD
The GCDPTC brings together facility operators, locators, excavators, regulators, engineers and other professionals who work around underground facilities for an unmatched mix of educational sessions, exhibitor engagement and valuable networking opportunities. At the 2026 GCDPTC, attendees can expect a robust training schedule featuring both new sessions and returning favorites, along with popular networking events such as the annual cornhole tournament, golf tournament and paint & sip.
Attendee registration will open the week of May 4. Click here to book your room at the Ashore Oceanfront Hotel through the GCDPTC room block.
2026 Schedule at a Glance
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
4:00 p.m.
Hotel check-in begins
3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Cornhole tournament
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Golf tournament
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
“Paint & Sip” networking event
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Exhibitor registration and setup
3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
General conference registration
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Exhibit hall open/welcome reception
Thursday, October 22, 2026
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Continued conference registration
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Opening breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Welcome & sponsor recognition
8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Keynote address
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Exhibit hall open
9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Refreshment break
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
All-conference session
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Session block 1
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Lunch
2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Session block 2
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Session block 3
4:00 p.m.
Exhibitor door prizes
5:00 p.m.
Exhibit hall breakdown
Friday, October 23, 2026
7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Continued Conference Registration
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast
8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Dig Smart Awards
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
All-Conference Session
10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Break/Checkout
10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Grand Door Prizes • 50/50 Raffle • $811 Digging
for Cash Game
2026 GCDPTC Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities
For more than a decade, the GCDPTC has gathered the region’s damage prevention leaders, decision makers and key stakeholders, and we look forward to doing that again in 2026. Your support will help us to continue creating the best experience for our attendees, as well as provide your company with exposure to a highly qualified audience of industry professionals.
Networking at the GCDPTC
The Greater Chesapeake Damage Prevention Training Conference offers networking opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. Join us for fun and friendly competition while creating important industry connections!
FAQS
When does registration for the 2026 GCDPTC open?
Registration for this year’s event will open at the end of April.
Who can I contact about registration-related questions?
If you have questions about registration, please contact [email protected] or call (240) 735-4321.
Is hotel included in my registration for the conference?
No, a hotel stay is not included in your registration. GCDPTC attendees are responsible for booking and managing their own hotel reservations. To reserve your room at the Ashore Oceanfront Hotel in the GCDPTC room block, click here. Please note that availability is limited.
Who should attend the Greater Chesapeake Damage Prevention Training Conference?
We welcome all stakeholders in the Damage Prevention industry, including but not limited to the following:
Contractors: Owners, CEOs, safety directors, risk managers and field supervisors.
Contract locating firm managers: Regional managers, field managers/supervisors and damage investigators.
Facility owners: Damage prevention managers, damage investigators, engineers, agency administrators, legal counsel and communications professionals for damage prevention stakeholder organizations.
Regulatory agencies: Federal, state and local compliance officers.
One call centers: Employees in the region and across the country.
Other stakeholders: Planning engineers, emergency responders/dispatchers, public officials and all other stakeholders who support and contribute to preventing damage to underground utilities.
What is the attendance policy?
To attend conference sessions and meals, attendees must be registered for the GCDPTC.
What is the guest attendance policy?
A guest pass may be purchased, which will get you access to conference meals.
What are the goals of this conference?
The GCDPTC brings together damage prevention professionals from across the region to discuss the latest trends, laws, and best practices in the industry, as well as network with fellow stakeholders.
Will photos or videos be taken at the conference?
A professional photographer will be onsite taking photos of the event. The photos will be made available to all attendees via Google Photos following the conference.